Model United Nations is an authentic simulation of the U.N. It emphasizes a collaboration process, not competition, in which students assume the roles of diplomatic representatives of some country in the world. Through their research and their role-playing, they will represent the interests of that particular country on U.N. committees. They will work with students from other high schools at conferences to write up United Nations resolutions. Students will research their assigned country, including its geopolitics and its involvement in the U.N. Students will write a position paper from their country's point of view on specific global problems.

Do I have to speak in front of groups?

NO. While participants do work together with AHS students, students only volunteer to speak at conferences. Students who are highly involved speak often; some students prefer to remain quiet while others prefer to talk one-on-one.

Why is Model UN unique?

Unlike ANY other activity at AHS, Model U.N. is an international activity with conferences around the globe. It also extends into the college level and is a great way to get into related fields dealing with international studies and international business.

Why Model United Nations?

Learn about the other countries of the world
Learn more about your own country
Learn and practice research skills
Learn and practice debate skills
Learn and practice writing skill
Learn and practice the art of negotiations
Learn to think differently
Work with kids from other high schools
Visit colleges for Model U.N. simulations
Talk about real life contemporary issues

Sounds like a lot of work!

Yes and no.

To participate in Model U.N., and to benefit from this activity, you do not have to excel in any of the areas listed above. However, you will have to invest time researching a country, contemporary issues, and how the U.N. functions. It is also true that participants must occasionally write a short paper for a conference. Participating in Model U.N. encourages you to pursue issues that interest you. At the same time, Model U.N. will help you to develop a variety of skills.

Model U.N. participants like to develop friendships with other students who like to travel, and discuss and debate pertinent contemporary issues.

Who participates in Model United Nations?

The popularity of Model U.N. continues to grow, and today more than 200,000 high school and college/university students worldwide participate every year. Many of today's leaders in law, government, business, and the arts participated in Model U.N. during their academic careers. Such people as U.S. Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer, former World Court Justice Stephen M. Schwebel, actor Samuel L. Jackson, and former first daughter Chelsea Clinton are Model U.N. veterans as well.